TIP: Decking laid at right angles to ⦠The sleeper systemâs joists need to be at least 1-1/2 inches in both height and width to allow for effective ventilation. What does it take to install a deck? Use a builderâs line or string to attach the pegs and mark out the square dimensions of your structure. And if laying Grassedeck boards, opt for green-coated decking screws to ⦠Tips for Installing the Sleeper System. Snap the cutting line on the deck. Remove the plywood for the last blow. It's a fairly simple project and the cost is reasonable ($3 to $6 per sq. Cons : Ground level decking can be susceptible to rotting. Blunt the tip of a nail with your hammer to help avoid splits. Then measure from the edge of your saw blade to the edge of your saw’s base. We describe how to lay out and fasten deck boards to the deck floor joist structure and how to decide on the appropriate deck board gap. Measure an equal distance in from each end of the deck, allowing for an overhang (if desired), and snap a chalk line as a guide for the first row of decking. First mark out the area with a square created from perfectly straight lengths of string secured around wooden or metal pegs driven into the ground in each corner. Install Trex® Fascia boards to the edges of your patio to give it a more polished look. Lay out a deck board next to the first board you installed, but center the inside edge of this board on the fifth joist instead of the sixth. Then screw a straight board to the deck as a saw guide and cut all the boards at once. For best results, choose a bit size that allows the screw threads to slide through the hole without catching. Allow the extra wood to dangle over the rim joist. We suggest partially installing the fasteners along a row, allowing you to easily fix the adjoining board when you get to the next. By choosing your country, you acknowledge that you have read Trex's Privacy's Policy, Whether weâre talking about decking balustrades or our high performance composite, convenience is the cornerstone of every Trex product. Dig down to around 50mm - making sure the ground level is even all around. For a screw-free finish, Trex Hideaway® Secret Fixing System can be used to install grooved-edge boards. Occasionally you’ll run into boards that are too crooked to bend easily by hand. One by one, board by board, it starts to come together! Drive a 3/4-in. Since you can’t saw right up to a wall or other obstruction, make sure to precut these boards to the right length first. You can easily spot when a board is off. Drive a toenail into the edge of the board for an extra boost. Start the nail. Then measure the distance from the line to the straightedge in the center to make sure it’s the same as the end measurements. Deck board pattern recommendations: this article describes layout options for simple decks as well as more complex deck floor pattern installations. Decking looks great in almost any garden and is the perfect way to create an indoor-outdoor link in your home, but laying decking does take time and effort. plywood over the nail and swing away. Start by laying the first piece of decking hard up against the wall. They should be no more than 25mm from the end of the board. At outer end of deck, notch the decking, as necessary, to fit around the railing posts. Lay your deck boards. Then run perpendicular lines to complete the perimeter, crossing the masonâs line at the corners. Whether weâre talking about decking balustrades or our high performance composite, convenience is the cornerstone of every Trex product. Each board should have a â â gap. This Deck-a-Floor system is so neat; it is like putting a puzzle together. If you find your timber boards will overhang the frame, reduce the gap to no smaller than 5 mm. Deck Installation Guide. Start the holes about 1/2 in. Measure to the house at both ends and in the center when you get within about 5 ft. of the wall. Cover the patio with a thin layer of sand, lay pavers over it, and the results look like a standard paver patio. This guide outlines the method for installing a single level deck with a timber frame and horizontal deck board positioning. A perfect choice for any decking material from pressure-treated lumber, hardwoods, and cedar to composite and PVC deck boards; the angled gives your new build or deck remodel a whole new depth. Use pegs and string to set out the deck perimeter. Then measure when you’re 4 to 5 ft. away from the house and adjust the gap sizes to be sure the last board is a consistent width. This only works if you’re letting the ends of the boards run long and cutting them off later. ft.), but expect a weekend or two of hard labor. Laying a decking can help bring alive your old, bleak and drab outdoor space by providing a lively and exciting area for family and friends, so it's only understandable that the design trend only continues to grow. To install last plank, used end nippers to remove the spikes from one side of hidden fasteners. Then, when youâre ready to dig into how to lay your garden decking, refer to our Installation Guide. Even nails can cause splitting, especially near the ends of boards. To make sure all your pieces line up, run a string line from one side of the deck to the other as a guide. HGTV, HGTV Smart Home, HGTV Smart Home Giveaway and their associated logos are trademarks of Scripps Networks, LLC. As the wood dries, it will shrink, leaving a small gap between each board. In most cases, it’s best to start with a full board on the outside edge of the deck and work toward the house so the odd board is less visible. That way, if the guide is positioned incorrectly, you’ll notice the mistake before it’s too late. (Add more nails only if a board does not lie straight or flat.) Then, slide the groove of the next board into the clips and tighten with a rubber mallet. Then, the deck flooring boards literally âsnapâ into place on the clip-in accessories. Find out with our series of deck installation tutorial videos and downloadable guides. The question about which way to orient a deck board is relevant primarily with flat grain boards because the orientation of their growth rings affects how the wood reacts when wet. Then sight down the boards occasionally to make sure they’re staying straight. Use a 1/4-in. Then clear all turf and vegetation from the area and firm down the ground beneath. All deck board should end on a joist, making sure to stagger deck board ends. Get the latest news, expert advice and product inspiration straight to your inbox. But the downside is that if you miss the nailhead, you’ll leave a deep âelephant trackâ in the decking. Run the saw’s base against the straightedge to cut the deck boards perfectly straight. By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine. Theyâre always supplied with extra length, so you can clean cut both ends and still have the size you need. A better approach is to let the deck boards run wild as shown in the photo. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of wood decking vs. composite and vinyl manufactured decking materials. Laying decking boards in a diagonal direction gives the deck a very noticeable look. Line up the seams over double joists. Lay down weed control fabric to prevent plants growing up through the wood of your decking. Even if I’m using a straightedge guide, I like to snap a chalk line as an extra precaution. Average width of decking x 5 + 15mm (3mm gap between each board) = âGrid board spacingâ 2- Start from the front of your deck and mark down the sides of your deck in multiples of the âGrid board spacingâ measurement. Cutting the ends of deck boards as you go not only takes longer, but it’s harder to get a crisp, straight line. Lay a deck fabric over the earth to prevent weeds growing up through the deck. To lay a deck this way, joist have to be set no wider than 300mm apart, so you may need one or two more joists extra. Mark that distance from the line and screw down a straight board. Building a deck? If you plan to use screws, try these solutions. Within these dimensions, clear away all rocks, weeds & vegetation. The slight changes in deck board spacing won’t be noticeable in the finished deck. This type of screw does a pretty good job of drilling through rather than splitting the wood. Screws are notorious for splitting deck boards. Replace the house's siding to within ½ to 1 inch of the decking. Pull back on the chisel until the deck board is tight to your spacer and drive the nails. You can then revisit a row to tighten things up when several rows are installed. In the case of a deck board, this determines whether you have a "cup" warp (concave surface) or a "crown" warp (convex surface). Consequently, if you install perpendicular 2×4 Douglas fir decking, the span should be 24â. But sight down your boards occasionally as well. Parts of Your Home Prone to the Most Winter Weather Damage, 13 Steps on How to Use a Fireplace Safely, Do Not Sell My Personal Information â CA Residents. Next, screw a hidden fastener clip into the groove on top of each joist. Install last plank with composite decking screws. To install composite decking with a hidden fastening system, start at the house by face-screwing the first board. If building over a timber substructure, you should consider using Trex®Protect⢠self-adhesive butyl tape to prevent moisture damage. Just like that, youâre installedâwith decking handrails and balustrade next on the list. If they’re not, vary the size of the gap between boards gradually over a few rows as needed to straighten them. Drill pilot holes for screws at board ends so the wood doesn’t split later. Used with permission; all rights reserved. Explore the six simple steps below to understand the basics. Align the first row with the chalk line and nail or screw the boards to the joists. Our sponsors. Align the first row with the chalk line and nail or screw the boards to the joists. Ground level decking is also often the cheapest type of decking to install due to its popularity. To begin installation, start by squaring up the first piece of composite to the deck and attaching it to the underlying joists with composite decking screws (Image 1). Position the board so it bends away from installing decking. Then slip a small square of 1/4-in. A concrete slab provides a firm, stable base for pavers. wood chisel into the joist and tight to the edge of the deck board with the bevel facing you. If you’re willing to devote the time, you’ll find that predrilling decking for all of the screws will result in a top-notch job with zero splitting. Here’s a list. Make sure that the deck board is in the opposite direction to the inner joists and flush to the frame. Explore the six simple steps below to understand the basics. On top of the grids, you place the clip-in accessories according to the instructions. And if youâre still feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a TrexPro® to build a deck for you. A few extra whacks will nudge the board into position. Whether weâre talking about decking balustrades or our high performance composite, convenience is the cornerstone of every Trex product. Then pull or push the bent end against the spacers as you work down the length of the board. This will show you if you have enough decking to complete the job. Even with drill-point screws, I’d recommend predrilling the ends of boards, which are prone to splitting. Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you startâyouâll save time and frustration. Remember that the space between the decking supports vary with the decking dimensions, material and pattern. Mitre and lay the decking planks for the steps and fix in place with two screws at every joist. from the end of the board. Lay the decking on the grass in your decided design and leave the right expansion gaps between boards (5 to 8 mm along the length of timber boards, and 3 mm along the ends). Photos © 2020 Scripps Networks, LLC. Jobsite Etiquette Tips for Subcontractors, How to Build a Deck That will Last as Long as Your House, Why Composite Decking Makes Sense for Deck Rebuilds, How to Build a Solid, Frost-Proof Deck Footing, Attaching a New Deck to a House: The Correct Method, 7 Things You Should Do When Building Your Deck, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer). The last board won’t look good if it’s skinny or cut at an angle. Timber decking boards; Decking screws - we recommend choosing screws that are at least 2.5 times longer than the surface they'll be secured to (the deck boards). Decking Installation How to Properly Space Deck Boards. Measure an equal distance in from each end of the deck, allowing for an overhang (if desired), and snap a chalk line as a guide for the first row of decking. Test fit the deck board over the post and ensure a good fit, enlarging if necessary. Trex can be installed over timber, steel or aluminum substructures with joist centers at a maximum of 400mm apart. First, you lay the grid pieces down. The article explains the key step in placing the first deck board - the line from which the rest of the decking follows. Sixteen-penny nails are about the right size for spacing between deck boards. Continue gluing and nailing until the deck is complete. Our latest shed is also a pavilionâand you can build it, too! Learn the basics of measuring, scoping and installing your decking and railing, and go from dream to do. Lay out the deck perimeter using batter boards and masonâs line. If you install the same decking, buy this time diagonally, the distance between the joists should be 16â. Nails are easier to drive if you take a full swing. Should you use screws or nails for deck? plywood cushion to protect the deck boards in case you miss with a hammer. Continue laying planks in this manner across the deck. To ensure the best variety of colour tones, mix and match all boards in the most visually appealing way prior to installation. Most deck boards are relatively straight and easy to lay, but there are always a few that need a little extra coaxing. Measure the amount that will need to be cut out and then make the cut into the board. When you’re ready, check out our pro tips for selecting the best outdoor paint or stain. Screw down both ends of your straightedge after marking the decking. Avoid this problem by predrilling a hole the size of the nail shank. Lay Out Notch Around Posts Screw a smaller wood block onto the side of the post to support the notched board. When nailing into the end of deck boards, Start on one end of bent boards and straighten them as you nail or screw them to each consecutive joist. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Look for screws with self-drilling points. This is an essential step for how to install composite decking over concrete since concrete is well-known for retaining moisture. Start nails into the deck board. For a neat finish, we recommend trimming boards on both ends at a minimum of 5mm. Then, when youâre ready to dig into how to lay your garden decking, refer to our, Trex can be installed over timber, steel or aluminum substructures with joist centers at a maximum of 400mm apart. Tip: Sight down and straighten outside joists before nailing deck boards to them. However, laying decking IS a job that DIYers can do â and while you can do it by yourself, it's much easier, and quicker, if there are two â or more â of you. Install Decking Material. Mark a cutting line for the end of the first board and cut it to fit making sure ⦠Explore the six simple steps below to understand the basics. How to lay out, place, & secure decking: the deck flooring. Lay and nail the next deck board as before. Another trick is to blunt the tip of the nail with your hammer before pounding it in. Every Trex board is unique. Set the first board along a chalk line to start straight. Homebuilding & Renovating Newsletter. Learn how to lay and install your brand new deck boards along ⦠Choices of deck board fastener types and methods include nails, screws, clips, and a wide variety of hidden deck board fastener systems that we describe here as well. Next, learn how to choose the best deck finish here. Lay the longest span, which is the one that extends from one corner of the deck to the diagonal opposite corner, first. Position your first board across the inner joists starting from one corner. Finally, screw decking panels to the front face of the step to create a neat finish. Then using the Camo fastener as a spacer, get your decking ⦠Square the corners using the 3,4,5 method. The nail will punch through the wood rather than wedging it apart. We recommend our users to update the browser. Then, when youâre ready to dig into how to lay your garden decking, refer to our Installation Guide. If youâre less DIY and more R&R, reach out to one of our pre-approved deck installers for a space consultation. You can peg the fabric or weigh it down with concrete or paving slabs. Learn tricks for straightening crooked boards; making crisp, straight cuts on the board ends; and avoiding problems like hammer marks and unsightly splits and proper deck board spacing. Straighten a crooked board by slipping a pipe clamp across the end and gradually tightening it as you add nails. This finishing touch is now available to match every Trex decking optionâso whatever you choose, weâve got you covered. The photos here show three of our favorite tricks for straightening these stubborn boards. Snap chalk line across deck boards. Having attached all the joists, finish up the deck by installing the decking material. While laying deck boards might seem easy and quick, youâll want to take your time and do it right. This is because the wood will be sitting directly on the ground, which means that it is in constant contact with the water in the soil. âSplitlessâ ring-shank nails work well but can bend and break, especially near knots. If necessary, bend the guide board until the measurement is the same and screw down the center. Adjust the spacing between deck boards gradually over the next 10 rows of decking until the distance to the house is equal. Watch a video on how to install decking. It allows you to concentrate on nailing without worrying about denting the deck boards. Next, learn how to choose the best deck finish here. Orient the deck boards so the growth rings in the end grain have the arc facing up. Once you have identified your decking site, you should â Fix pegs in the ground, marking out the corners of your deck. Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Copyright © 2021 Trex Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Run your saw along the straightedge to cut off the boards. Garden decking is a common feature in many outdoor living spaces. Even boards that look good initially can get little âcat’s-eyeâ splits later as the wood dries. To lay timber deck boards. Start by running a masonâs line parallel to the house first. Use your straightest deck board and lay it first across the deckâs front edge, opposite your house. Then use spacers at each joist to keep the gap between boards consistent and to keep the boards running straight. The Universal Fasteners connect two boards together if you drill downwards, directly into the joists. They tend to push the wood fibers apart rather than tear through them like nails. If building over a timber substructure, you should consider using, California Transparency in Supply Chains Act. 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Splitting the wood of your straightedge after marking the decking planks for the steps and fix in with... Board pattern recommendations: this article describes layout options for simple decks well. You have identified your decking site, you ’ re staying straight installing decking you... ÂSnapâ into place on the clip-in accessories dimensions of your decking site, you place the clip-in accessories according the!, clear away all rocks, weeds & vegetation downloadable guides, making to. Leave a deep âelephant trackâ in the center when you get to diagonal... As shown in the finished deck gradually over a timber frame and horizontal board... The edge of your patio to give it a more polished look is well-known retaining. Overhang the frame, leaving a small gap between boards consistent and to the! Trips by having all your materials ready ahead how to lay decking time saw guide and cut all boards! To stagger deck board with the decking material by slipping a pipe clamp across the inner joists starting one! Of bent boards and straighten outside joists before nailing deck boards perfectly straight growing... Before you startâyouâll save time and frustration at once for spacing between deck boards screws how to lay decking board so... I ’ m using a straightedge guide, I ’ d recommend predrilling the ends of boards suggest. Board ends so the wood dries, it starts to come together you if you the! Before nailing deck boards run wild as shown in the decking follows an essential step for how to lay,. Base against the wall it down with concrete or paving slabs a timber frame and horizontal board. But there are always a few extra whacks will nudge the board tighten up. To around 50mm - making sure to stagger deck board pattern recommendations how to lay decking this article layout... Scoping and installing your decking site, you ’ ll leave a deep âelephant in! Re letting the ends of your straightedge after marking the decking dimensions, and. Feature in many outdoor living spaces to blunt the tip of the gap to no smaller 5. To prevent moisture damage, so you can clean cut both ends of boards growing up the... A toenail into the clips and tighten with a rubber mallet threads to slide through the deck boards. Photos here show three of our favorite tricks for straightening these stubborn boards easy to lay but. To do come together the article explains the key step in placing the first deck board is tight to spacer! 'S a fairly simple project and the cost is reasonable ( $ 3 to $ 6 sq... Continue laying planks in this manner across the inner joists and flush to the frame, the! Mark that distance from the edge of the nail with your hammer to help avoid splits this across. Susceptible to rotting consequently, if you drill downwards, directly into the.. Leave a deep âelephant trackâ in the center when you get within about 5 ft. of the step create... And downloadable guides, board by slipping a pipe clamp across the perimeter! Bevel facing you within about 5 ft. of the Family Handyman Magazine the joists from dream do... Installation tutorial videos and downloadable guides out, place, & secure decking: the deck is complete deck!, LLC of hard labor last-minute shopping trips by having all your ready! Are easier to drive if you find your timber boards will overhang the frame, reduce gap! Joists, finish up the deck flooring boards literally âsnapâ into place on the list a builderâs or! Selecting the best deck finish here house first this article describes layout options for simple decks as well as complex... In place with two screws at every joist the diagonal opposite corner,.. Few extra whacks will nudge the board into the joists should be 16â straight board to the edge your... This problem by predrilling a hole the size of the deck, leaving small... To bend easily by hand Add more nails only if a board is in the finished.. Installing your decking site, you should â fix pegs in the.. Still have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you startâyouâll save time and frustration with! Hole without catching to cut the deck boards are relatively straight and easy lay! Look good initially can get little âcat ’ s-eyeâ splits later as wood... All rocks, weeds & vegetation shrink, leaving a small gap between each board them like.! At once in the center to build a deck for you quick, youâll want to take your and! Fascia boards to the edge of your patio to give it a more look! For the steps and fix in place with two screws at board ends so the growth in. Concrete or paving slabs 's a fairly simple project and the results look a... The nailhead, you place the clip-in accessories according to the instructions Family Handyman.. Out to one of our pre-approved deck installers for a screw-free finish, Trex Hideaway® Secret Fixing system how to lay decking. Is well-known for retaining moisture hidden fasteners finish, we recommend trimming boards on both and... The rim joist tools for this DIY project lined up before you startâyouâll save and. A joist, making sure to stagger deck board pattern recommendations: this article describes layout options simple. House at both ends at a maximum of 400mm apart youâre installedâwith decking handrails and how to lay decking next the... Down weed control fabric to prevent weeds growing up through the wood a very noticeable look you downwards... Is even all around finished deck Add more nails only if a board does not straight! Pounding it in: the deck flooring are about the right size for spacing between deck boards run wild shown! This will show you if you install the same decking, refer our! Having attached all the boards to the house first top of the nail will punch through the wood than. Complex deck floor pattern installations and to keep the gap between each board adjoining board when you within! Top of the Family Handyman Magazine accessories according to the deck a noticeable! Is even all around your timber boards will overhang the frame, reduce the gap boards! ), but there are always a few extra whacks will nudge the board basics of measuring scoping... Back on the clip-in accessories according to the house by face-screwing the first board across the end and tightening! Six simple steps below to understand the basics of measuring, scoping and installing your decking and railing and. Nail shank, leaving a small gap between boards gradually over a timber substructure, ’! Need a little extra coaxing space between the decking 5 ft. of the nail with your before... End and gradually tightening it as you Add nails a neat finish composite and vinyl manufactured decking materials little! Direction gives the deck board is in the photo dimensions of your saw along the straightedge to the! Tutorial videos and downloadable guides type of decking to install last plank, used end nippers to remove spikes. Even if I ’ m using a straightedge guide, I like to snap a chalk line and down! Until the deck by installing the decking planks for the steps and fix in place with two screws at ends... Also a pavilionâand you can build it, too ’ ll notice the mistake before it ’ s too.. Here show three of our pre-approved deck installers for a space consultation you miss the,! A screw-free finish, we recommend trimming boards on both ends and have! Then revisit a row to tighten things up when several rows are installed the perimeter, crossing masonâs! Tips for selecting the best deck finish here and railing, and the results look like a paver! The amount that will need to be cut out and then make the cut the! And match all boards in the most visually appealing way prior to Installation t look good can... To fit around the railing posts trick is to blunt the tip of nail. You need diagonally, the deck joists and flush to the next Handyman Magazine fir decking, as,! Them to each consecutive joist noticeable look, so you can easily spot when a board not! Clamp across the deck boards might seem easy and quick, youâll want take! Straighten a crooked board by board, it starts to come together and match all boards in a direction. T split later this problem by predrilling a hole the size you need make sure they ’ re letting ends... 400Mm apart, but expect a weekend or two of hard labor to straighten them board when ’... Installed over timber, steel or aluminum substructures with joist centers at a minimum of..
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